The Frozen World
The winter storm arrived with the vengeance. On the heels of already frigid temperatures, the ground frozen solid, the snow pushed through our area as predicted. Blustery wind and snow pummeled the house as we spent our Sunday afternoon watching in anticipation, the ground disappearing, snow piling up higher and higher.
But the creek just kept on flowing in the midst of the storm, calling out to me. So, the next day, as the sun emerged, I just had to go check it out!
I expect folks in colder climates get to see a creek covered in ice a good bit more than those of us in Arkansas, where finicky, unpredictable weather abounds. But today, I got to see ice in abundance. As I carefully made my way down the creek bank, careful to not allow my work boots to become skis, I took in the beauty of the frozen forest floor. An occasional animal track was spotted here and there in the mostly untouched, smooth snow.
As the crystal-clear creek water continued flowing over rocks, pools of ice were becoming thicker and thicker in our single digit temperatures. Wherever the water moved too slow, it became frozen. Even where it was flowing through rocks and licking the edges, ice whiskers formed, adding to the web of ice tentacles spreading to bring the creek to a halt.
Ice skating thickness? Doubtful. Yet, as we endure another couple of days of these undesirable temperatures, the ice may yet become thicker, broader, stronger. Brings back memories of when I was a young boy, spending lots of time on ponds around our farm. I spent some time with an axe, breaking sections of ice out so the cows could have a frigid drink. But I spent even more time testing out the full length of the pond, and the thickness of the ice. Fortunately, I never had any mishaps sending me below the surface!
Although I enjoyed getting a glimpse of this beauty today, I’m opting for the heat inside the house. I’ll save my longings for the creek for another day. Who knows, my curiosity may get the best of me, wondering what this beautiful world God has given us is looking like tomorrow, or the next day.
And then summer comes to mind as I dream of this winter wonderland being in the rearview mirror. Oh, the remembrance of me and my sweet wife, just months ago, wading in that same water just to get relief from the blazing heat of the sun. Before long, we’ll be there again, jumping and splashing. Even then, the water may feel as cold as a wintery day in January.
Until then, coffee awaits.